How to file for divorce in Massachusetts

To file for a divorce in Massachusetts, you will need the follow the 8 steps below. If you have any questions after reading this – please feel free to email our office your questions. We are happy to help free of charge and without any obligation. We provide free Q&A support to hundreds of individuals each year. This, in turn, allows us to improve these “how to” guides for the public.

Before we get started — it is important to know that a couple must live together in Massachusetts as husband and wife to file for divorce. One of the spouses must be a resident of Massachusetts if the cause for divorce occurred within Massachusetts. If the grounds for divorce occurred outside of Massachusetts, the plaintiff must have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to deciding to file for divorce.

Let’s get started …

1. Gather Your Paperwork AND make copies as soon as possible

Important Store the copies of these documents outside of the marital home

Last 3 years of taxes

Most recent pay stubs

Property tax bills

Mortgage statements

Bank account statements

Retirement account statements

Credit Card Statements

2.Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the town hall of the town/city you were married or resided in. Please note that the certificate from the church is not a valid document to file for divorce in Massachusetts.

3. Make a decision if you will file for a contested or uncontested divorce in Massachusetts. A contested divorce will freeze your spouse’s assets so they cannot spend your money, or if you have concerns that they will increase debts/liabilities or attempt to hide assets/monies. It may be to your benefit to file an uncontested divorce where both parties mutually agree on the terms, only if you feel your spouse will be cooperative. Whether to file contested or uncontested divorce is one of the most important decisions in the process for your successful outcome. The remainder of these steps will focus on an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts.

4.Write your spouse a letter indicating that you would like to resolve the matter amicably and arrange a meeting with all parties present and attorneys, if applicable.

5. Draft a separation agreement encompassing all of the terms that you agreed upon. The court must review the agreement and approve it as “fair and reasonable” and may be rejected by the judge if there are any missing terms or the court deems it unfair. Some judges routinely reject agreements, so it is important to have it carefully written.

6.Important If you have children (minor child under the age of 18 years old at the time of filing), BOTH parties MUST attend aParent Education Class. The court will NOT assign a court date until this is completed. Buyer Beware – There are many Parent Education Classes available to take online, however these are NOT valid in Massachusetts. Only sign-up with the approved live programs on the court’s website. Click here for the website

7.Complete all of the forms to file for an uncontested divorce in Massachusetts.

A filing fee of $215.00 (Payable to “Your Probate Court”. Bank check or money order is required. No personal checks are accepted.)

A Separation Agreement signed by both parties with each signature notarized. This must address the issues of the division of marital property, proper provisions for alimony (even if it is not requested by either party), custody, support and maintenance of any minor children.

In accordance with the rules of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, this website must be labeled as advertising. It is intended to provide only general information for readers and is not a substitute for legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. In using this site, you understand and acknowledge that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the attorney.